I. ˈsni(ə)r, -iə verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: probably akin to Middle High German snerren to chatter, gossip — more at snore
intransitive verb
1. dialect chiefly Britain : to snort in the manner of an animal
2.
a. : to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
b. : to manifest derision, disdain, or contempt by speaking or writing in a scornfully jeering manner
people are nowadays so cynical — they sneer at everything that makes life worth living — L.P.Smith
3. : to make a sound like a sneer
a bullet sneering overhead
transitive verb
1. : to utter with a sneer or sneeringly
sneer a reply
2. archaic : to treat with sneers : sneer at
Synonyms: see scoff
II. noun
( -s )
: the act of sneering : a sneering expression, remark, or saying
the lips are pursed in a scornful, supercilious sneer — Harry Luke
the current sneer that both parties are without cardinal distinctive principles — No. American Review